ITK spotted the Arizona Republican wearing a pair of black cowboy-style boots last week, during a relatively warm Washington winter.

ADVERTISEMENT

When we inquired whether it might be too toasty for the classic Western wear, Schweikert replied, “My problem is almost all my suits are cut to cowboy boots. I’m from Scottsdale; it’s the uniform.”

The congressman went on to explain why his shoe choice is a necessity, saying with a smile, “I also live out in the middle of the desert, so if you step outside my front door, you’re just as likely to run into a javelina or a rattlesnake as a cactus.”

For those unfamiliar with javelinas, they’re hoofed mammals that sort of resemble pigs on drugs.

But they’re not the only wild creatures that Schweikert is strapping on boots to protect himself from. The lawmaker has had his share of run-ins with a certain prickly cactus: “If you’ve ever stepped on a jumping cholla, you’ll understand why you want boots.”

Adding that the footwear is what he’s worn his whole life, Schweikert says he has no plans on conforming to Capitol Hill’s traditional laced-up dress-shoe style: “If you ever catch me in Gucci loafers, you know my next election isn’t going to go well!”